Alabama’s Quarterback Room: A New Era Begins After Ty Simpson’s Departure
As spring practice looms in Tuscaloosa, the quarterback room at Alabama is officially wide open - and that’s not just coach-speak. With Ty Simpson heading to the NFL after just one season as the Crimson Tide’s starter, the most high-profile position on the roster is up for grabs.
Simpson’s exit marks the end of a brief but eventful chapter. The redshirt junior led Alabama to an 11-4 record, a College Football Playoff appearance, and a gutsy road comeback win at Oklahoma in the first round.
But his season - and his Crimson Tide career - ended with a thud. A rib injury sidelined him for much of the second half in a 38-3 Rose Bowl loss to Indiana, where he threw for just 67 yards and failed to find the end zone.
Still, Simpson’s overall body of work tells the story of a quarterback who handled the pressure of the job with poise. He finished the year with 3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns through the air, and only five interceptions.
He added 93 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, showing just enough mobility to keep defenses honest. Named a team captain before the season, Simpson earned the locker room’s respect - and now leaves behind a leadership void as well as a vacancy under center.
So what’s next?
That’s the question Alabama’s coaching staff will be working to answer this spring. With Simpson gone, the quarterback competition is wide open, and there’s no shortage of intrigue. Between returning players and fresh faces, there’s a mix of experience, upside, and unknowns that will define the early weeks of camp.
A newcomer will almost certainly be in the spotlight. Whether it's a highly-touted freshman or a transfer with something to prove, expect at least one new face to push for reps early.
But don’t count out the returners either - players who’ve been in the system, know the playbook, and have had time to grow behind the scenes. Spring ball is often where separation begins, and this year, the stakes are even higher.
One thing’s for sure: Alabama’s quarterback room is entering a transition phase. And while Simpson’s departure leaves big shoes to fill, it also opens the door for the next leader to step in and make this offense their own.
The battle begins this spring - and it’s shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines in Tuscaloosa.